Children could be banned from buying energy drinks from certain shops across Newcastle.

Retailers in the city are being asked to display a poster saying they support a voluntary ban on the sale of energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster to children and young teenagers aged under 16.

The council is sending the posters out to businesses across Newcastle.

The UK Government is proposing to formally ban the sale of energy drinks to children. The consultation ends on November 21.

But instead of waiting for legal age restrictions, Newcastle City Council is encouraging retailers to implement a voluntary ban on the sale of high-caffeine drinks to those under 16, following concerns from teachers and health professionals about the impact excessive caffeine consumption has on children.

Newcastle City Council is urging shops to stop selling energy drinks to under 16s

Evidence, the council says, suggests drinking too much caffeine leads to headaches, sleep deprivation and irritation.

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Newcastle City Council says: "The city council has therefore now requested retailers in Newcastle, that may be stocking and selling high-caffeine energy drinks; that they show their support for a voluntary ban in Newcastle and they can do this by the display of a poster, copies of which have been sent out to retailers."